Ukraine Alex and I ventured out to a local gun club this evening and participated in an IDPA practice session. It was both of our first times, though we've both been shooting for about 4 years. It was a small private club, and about 10 people were present tonight. After observing for 10 rounds or so we went to the meeting room and went over all the relevant safety and procedural information. Then back out to the range.
They had two scenarios set up tonight. The first was that you were being mugged by 3 people. Starting at arms length, you dropepd your wallet and drew your gun, shot two torso shots from a retention position into the center target, then two each into the other two as you retreated to cover about 15 feet back, then a head shot each from behind cover. The second scenario was that you were approached as you were sitting at a table. Two torso shots each from about 10 feet, then move sideways to cover and place two headshots on a target with a hostage in front of it, then move to the other side of the cover and fire two torso shots each to two targets about 30 feet away.
When my name was called I was a little nervous as I approached the line, but after the buzzer sounded I got down to business. I seem to have beginners luck when trying out new things (golf, for example) and my first of 3 rounds was my best. My scores were 30.53, 42.98, and 35.59, though I don't think you can really compare them online. The first round was as good as I would have hoped for, the second round I had three failures to feed because my gun was shamefully filthy, and the third round (after cleaning) was good except for one headshot I missed that cost me quite a few points.
Overall we both had a great time, I think I will definately be taking this up as part of my shooting hobby. What a great way to have fun with other shooters and improve your skills as well. The people at the club were very friendly and accomidating and and made us feel welcome as new shooters. I'm glad that after telling myself for a couple years I should get into this that I've finally made the leap.
Alex took some photos so hopefully he will chime in with his input and post up the pictures too.